#Rwanda: How French army threatened Kagame’s RPA not to capture Butare during the Genocide

On Sunday, April 7, 2024, during the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi, the Head of State also related another tale,in which, towards the end of the Genocide, General Dallaire paid Kagame an unexpected visit after midnight.

He brought a letter from the French General in charge of the troops that France had just sent out in the west of the nation, Operation Turquoise, of which Kagame still has a copy.

He said, “The message said that we would pay a heavy price if our forces dared to try to capture the town of Butare, in the southern part of our country.” Dallaire also forewarned him that, should the Rwandan liberators refuse to comply, the French would use attack helicopters and every type of heavy weapon available.

I questioned Dallaire about whether or not our bodies contain blood and if French soldiers bled similarly to ours. After telling the French that our reaction would come next, I thanked him and advised him to just go get some rest and sleep.

In fact, Kagame responded right away, telling Gen. (rtd) Fred Ibingira, the commander of their forces in that region, to prepare for action over the radio.

“We took Butare at dawn. Within weeks, the entire country had been secured, and we began rebuilding. We did not have the kind of arms that were being used to threaten us, but I reminded some people that this is our land, this is our country. Those who bleed will bleed on it,” he noted.

The Head of State underlined that every hardship and humiliation strengthened Rwandans.

“Our people will never, and I mean never, be left for dead again.”

Kagame described how the French army had threatened to prevent his army from taking Butare. [RBA]

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Daniel HAVUGARUREMA

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